Final answer:
The gravitational potential energy gained when lifting a 5-kilogram mass to a height of 10 meters is approximately 500 Joules, using the formula P.E. = mgh with g as 9.8 m/s².
Step-by-step explanation:
When a 5-kilogram mass is lifted from the ground to a height of 10 meters, the gravitational potential energy is calculated using the formula P.E. = mgh, where:
- m is the mass in kilograms (kg)
- g is the acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.8 m/s² (It is also common to use 10 m/s² for simpler calculations)
- h is the height in meters (m)
Using these values:
- Identify the mass (m): 5 kg
- Choose the approximate value of g: 9.8 m/s²
- Define the height (h) the object is lifted through: 10 m
- Calculate the gravitational potential energy (P.E.): P.E. = 5 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 10 m = 490 J
Therefore, the gravitational potential energy of the mass is increased by approximately 500 J, when considering the more precise value of g.